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What It's All About

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Beautyberry Jelly...Wait, What?

Have you seen those berries, growing randomly around your house? You know, the ones your mom specifically told you not to eat because they would kill you?

Well, turns out, they won't.

In fact, they're quite edible. My son is slightly obsessed with eating them.

They are called beautyberries, and it's a good name for them because they are quite beautiful. Especially this year, they're really doing well. But let's not make any mistakes, they're not tasty.

My husband has been looking into websites and books for learning about what local plants you can eat, and came across this awesome website that teaches you all kinds of things about plants you would never think twice about. They had a recipe for beautyberry jelly.

http://www.eattheweeds.com/beautyberry-jelly-on-a-roll/

Now, I'm going to share it with you.

Beautyberry Jelly

1 1/2 quarts or 5 c. beautyberries

2 quarts water

1 envelope fruit pectin

4 1/2 c. sugar

Start by making sure berries are thoroughly washed and cleaned of stems etc.

Cover with 2 quarts water and boil for 20 minutes.

Strain to make infusion. (For me, I had enough to make two batches of jelly.)

Take 3 c. infusion and bring to a boil. Add fruit pectin and sugar, bring to boil again and boil for 2 minutes. You may have to stir constantly to keep mixture from boiling over. Remove from heat and let stand until foam forms, and skim off foam.

Pour into sterilized jars, cap.

Ta-da! Something almost anyone can make because these bushes are everywhere! So cool to know!

1 comment:

i was JUST wondering pondering about this plant sunday when i noticed one full of berries at the lake. i had a memory of Ryan eating them in the woods and me thinking he would foam at the mouth anytime! i think he said he had always eaten them since a kid... so i was standing there wondering, now what was it he said that plant was good for?and whaM... you give me a jelly recipe...great minds!:)